Medical Conditions

Signs of Von Willebrand Disease in Babies

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published CDC, NIH, Mayo Clinic guidelines

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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect signs of von willebrand disease in babies, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting both boys and girls. It is caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, a protein needed for blood clotting. Signs include easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, frequent or prolonged nosebleeds, and heavy bleeding during dental procedures or surgery. Many people with VWD have mild symptoms that may not be recognized until a surgical or dental procedure.

Key takeaways

  • Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting both boys and girls. It is caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, a protein needed for blood clotting. Signs include easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, frequent or prolonged nosebleeds, and heavy bleeding during dental procedures or surgery. Many people with VWD have mild symptoms that may not be recognized until a surgical or dental procedure.
  • Usually normal when: Occasional minor bruises on shins and knees from normal childhood play
  • Call your doctor if: Heavy bleeding from any wound that does not stop with direct pressure for 15-20 minutes
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know

According to CDC, NIH, Mayo Clinic guidelines, von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting both boys and girls. It is caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, a protein needed for blood clotting. Signs include easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, frequent or prolonged nosebleeds, and heavy bleeding during dental procedures or surgery. Many people with VWD have mild symptoms that may not be recognized until a surgical or dental procedure. At 0-3 months, vWD is rarely diagnosed this early unless there is a known family history or unexplained bleeding occurs (such as prolonged bleeding after circumcision or cord separation). Newborns naturally have higher von Willebrand factor levels, which may mask mild VWD, making testing unreliable in the first months. It is generally considered normal when occasional minor bruises on shins and knees from normal childhood play. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if heavy bleeding from any wound that does not stop with direct pressure for 15-20 minutes.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Occasional minor bruises on shins and knees from normal childhood play
Heavy bleeding from any wound that does not stop with direct pressure for 15-20 minutes
Brief nosebleeds that stop within 10 minutes of applying pressure
Your child needs emergency surgery and has known or suspected VWD - inform the surgical team immediately
Normal healing of minor cuts and scrapes
Your child has frequent bruises that are larger or more numerous than expected

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

VWD is rarely diagnosed this early unless there is a known family history or unexplained bleeding occurs (such as prolonged bleeding after circumcision or cord separation). Newborns naturally have higher von Willebrand factor levels, which may mask mild VWD, making testing unreliable in the first months.

3-6 months

Testing for VWD is more reliable after 6 months of age. If there is a family history, discuss the appropriate timing for testing with your pediatrician or hematologist. Watch for excessive bruising as your baby becomes more active.

6-12 months

As your baby becomes mobile, bruising patterns may reveal a bleeding tendency. Bruises that are larger than expected from minor bumps, bruising in unusual locations (trunk, face), or prolonged bleeding from mouth injuries during teething may be early signs.

12-24 months

Active toddlers with VWD may have more bruising than peers. Prolonged bleeding from lip or tongue bites is a common early sign. If your toddler needs any surgical procedure (like ear tubes), inform the surgeon about suspected or confirmed VWD so appropriate precautions can be taken.

2-3 years

Frequent nosebleeds that last more than 15-20 minutes or are difficult to stop may indicate VWD. A hematologist can diagnose VWD with specific blood tests. Treatment includes desmopressin (DDAVP) for mild cases and VWF concentrate for more severe bleeding. Most people with VWD live normal lives with appropriate precautions.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed signs of von willebrand disease in babies and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child has frequent bruises that are larger or more numerous than expected.
  • Mention if nosebleeds are frequent or take more than 15-20 minutes to stop.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Occasional minor bruises on shins and knees from normal childhood play
  • Brief nosebleeds that stop within 10 minutes of applying pressure
  • Normal healing of minor cuts and scrapes
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your child has frequent bruises that are larger or more numerous than expected
  • Nosebleeds are frequent or take more than 15-20 minutes to stop
  • You have a family history of VWD or excessive bleeding
Act now when...
  • Heavy bleeding from any wound that does not stop with direct pressure for 15-20 minutes
  • Your child needs emergency surgery and has known or suspected VWD - inform the surgical team immediately

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice signs of von willebrand disease in babies — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that occasional minor bruises on shins and knees from normal childhood play — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if heavy bleeding from any wound that does not stop with direct pressure for 15-20 minutes.

Signs of Hemophilia in Babies

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder where the blood does not clot properly due to deficient clotting factors. Signs in babies include prolonged bleeding after circumcision, excessive bruising (especially deep or unexplained), prolonged bleeding from cuts or mouth injuries, and unexplained swelling of joints or muscles. Hemophilia primarily affects boys (X-linked inheritance). Early diagnosis allows proper treatment to prevent complications.

ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura) in Children

ITP (immune thrombocytopenic purpura) is a condition where the immune system destroys platelets, leading to easy bruising and bleeding. It often occurs 1-3 weeks after a viral illness. Signs include sudden appearance of bruises, tiny red dots on the skin (petechiae), nosebleeds, and bleeding gums. In children, ITP usually resolves on its own within 6 months. Treatment is based on severity: mild cases are monitored, while severe cases may need medication to raise platelet counts.

Baby or Toddler Nosebleed

Nosebleeds are very common in toddlers and young children, especially during dry winter months. Most nosebleeds come from the front of the nose (anterior nosebleeds) where tiny blood vessels are close to the surface and easily irritated by dry air, nose picking, colds, or allergies. While they can look alarming due to the amount of blood, nearly all nosebleeds in children are harmless and stop within 10-15 minutes with proper first aid.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is signs of von willebrand disease in babies normal?
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting both boys and girls. It is caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, a protein needed for blood clotting. Signs include easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, frequent or prolonged nosebleeds, and heavy bleeding during dental procedures or surgery. Many people with VWD have mild symptoms that may not be recognized until a surgical or dental procedure.
When should I call the doctor about signs of von willebrand disease in babies?
Heavy bleeding from any wound that does not stop with direct pressure for 15-20 minutes Your child needs emergency surgery and has known or suspected VWD - inform the surgical team immediately
When is signs of von willebrand disease in babies normal?
Occasional minor bruises on shins and knees from normal childhood play Brief nosebleeds that stop within 10 minutes of applying pressure Normal healing of minor cuts and scrapes
What causes signs of von willebrand disease in babies?
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting both boys and girls. It is caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, a protein needed for blood clotting. Signs include easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, frequent or prolonged nosebleeds, and heavy bleeding during dental procedures or surgery. Many people with VWD have mild symptoms that may not be recognized until a surgical or dental procedure. Common explanations include: Occasional minor bruises on shins and knees from normal childhood play. Brief nosebleeds that stop within 10 minutes of applying pressure.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about signs of von willebrand disease in babies?
You should mention signs of von willebrand disease in babies at your next visit if: Your child has frequent bruises that are larger or more numerous than expected. Nosebleeds are frequent or take more than 15-20 minutes to stop. You have a family history of VWD or excessive bleeding.
Is signs of von willebrand disease in babies normal at 0-3 months?
VWD is rarely diagnosed this early unless there is a known family history or unexplained bleeding occurs (such as prolonged bleeding after circumcision or cord separation). Newborns naturally have higher von Willebrand factor levels, which may mask mild VWD, making testing unreliable in the first months.
Is signs of von willebrand disease in babies normal at 3-6 months?
Testing for VWD is more reliable after 6 months of age. If there is a family history, discuss the appropriate timing for testing with your pediatrician or hematologist. Watch for excessive bruising as your baby becomes more active.
Should I go to the ER for signs of von willebrand disease in babies?
Seek emergency care if heavy bleeding from any wound that does not stop with direct pressure for 15-20 minutes, or if your child needs emergency surgery and has known or suspected VWD - inform the surgical team immediately. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does signs of von willebrand disease in babies go away on its own?
In many cases, signs of von willebrand disease in babies resolves on its own, especially when occasional minor bruises on shins and knees from normal childhood play. By 2-3 years, frequent nosebleeds that last more than 15-20 minutes or are difficult to stop may indicate VWD. A hematologist can diagnose VWD with specific blood tests. Treatment includes desmopressin (DDAVP) for mild cases and VWF concentrate for more severe bleeding. Most people with VWD live normal lives with appropriate precautions.
CDCNIHMAYO CLINIC

References

  1. [1]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Von Willebrand Disease. CDC
  2. [2]National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Von Willebrand Disease. NIH
  3. [3]Mayo Clinic. Von Willebrand disease. Mayo Clinic

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Signs of Von Willebrand Disease in Babies.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed signs of von willebrand disease in babies and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child has frequent bruises that are larger or more numerous than expected.
  • Mention if nosebleeds are frequent or take more than 15-20 minutes to stop.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your child has frequent bruises that are larger or more numerous than expected
  • Nosebleeds are frequent or take more than 15-20 minutes to stop
  • You have a family history of VWD or excessive bleeding

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Heavy bleeding from any wound that does not stop with direct pressure for 15-20 minutes
  • Your child needs emergency surgery and has known or suspected VWD - inform the surgical team immediately

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

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Bottom line

Most cases of signs of von willebrand disease in babies are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if heavy bleeding from any wound that does not stop with direct pressure for 15-20 minutes.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Signs of Hemophilia in Babies

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder where the blood does not clot properly due to deficient clotting factors. Signs in babies include prolonged bleeding after circumcision, excessive bruising (especially deep or unexplained), prolonged bleeding from cuts or mouth injuries, and unexplained swelling of joints or muscles. Hemophilia primarily affects boys (X-linked inheritance). Early diagnosis allows proper treatment to prevent complications.

ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura) in Children

ITP (immune thrombocytopenic purpura) is a condition where the immune system destroys platelets, leading to easy bruising and bleeding. It often occurs 1-3 weeks after a viral illness. Signs include sudden appearance of bruises, tiny red dots on the skin (petechiae), nosebleeds, and bleeding gums. In children, ITP usually resolves on its own within 6 months. Treatment is based on severity: mild cases are monitored, while severe cases may need medication to raise platelet counts.

Baby or Toddler Nosebleed

Nosebleeds are very common in toddlers and young children, especially during dry winter months. Most nosebleeds come from the front of the nose (anterior nosebleeds) where tiny blood vessels are close to the surface and easily irritated by dry air, nose picking, colds, or allergies. While they can look alarming due to the amount of blood, nearly all nosebleeds in children are harmless and stop within 10-15 minutes with proper first aid.

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